The 2024 DNC Q&A Interview: Voicing A New Power In Politics

By Robyn Meurkson

73-year-old Barbara Rakestraw of Glendale Heights, Illinois, is longing for peace between the democratic and republican parties in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Growing up as an independent, Rakestraw believed that no matter what our political differences are, we should still come together and respect each other as American citizens. At a young age, Barbara moved around the surrounding suburbs of Chicago before residing in Hillside, Illinois. Friends from another, I sat down with Barbara at the FedEx Office warehouse in Glendale Heights, Illinois, to discuss her views and experiences on the 1968 DNC National Convention that was held in Chicago, Illinois.

Q: Which neighborhood(s) did you live in throughout your life?

A: I was born in Chicago, but my father moved us to Downers Grove when I was six months old, and I spent all my teenage years there. Then I met my husband, and we got married and lived in Hillside. I lived in Plainfield and I lived in Berwyn. So, I've been all over.

Q: Did you have any connections in the city? Did you ever hang out in the city?

A: I never did. I had my aunts and uncles lived there, and two of my uncles who were police officers in the city, which district Damen Avenue.

Q: You mentioned that your uncles were police officers during that time? Do you remember hearing stories about their experiences? How did they feel about pulling out the gun? Did they use it against any protesters?

A: He was working for the Chicago Police Department. So yes, Daley would hand down orders. Even like today, whoever is in charge, like the mayor, if he wants something taken care of, and he wants it from the police department, he sends down an order, and they have to abide by it. If not, it could be their jobs.

He didn't want to do it, but if it came down to it, he had to because it was an order. He was like us; everybody needs a fair shake in the world. You know, to help your neighbors? I don't believe in poverty—I never did. To me, I was always taught that you always help your neighbors, no matter what if they're old, if they're young, and if they need help. You were there to help them. My uncles would never tell any horror stories, because they believe the same way I did. They only said that they were just praying that they would never have to fire that gun.

Q: Did any other protesters ever come at them?

A: Oh, yeah. But they were able to, you know? They're pushing and shoving, and that's why I believe in the First Amendment.

Q: Are your kids into the politics?

A: They're like me. I want to hear what you got to say. That's the way I raised them. Even my husband wasn't a Democrat or Republican. He just wanted to hear what do you have to do? What are you going to do for me? Not what, how much money are you going to put in your pocket? What are you going to do for me? I think they lost that a long time ago.

Q: What is the difference between the events that took place in 1968 versus today?

A: I just hope there is no more rioting. I mean, where does it get you if you want to protest and burn down buildings? Because in those protests in the 60s, what used to be a beautiful setting--they burned down almost two blocks of it. What did that accomplish? You're looting stores. What does that accomplish for your goal? That is what I don't get. Like I said, if they would, maybe I come with different ideas. Why can't we all just start sitting down and let's sort out these problems? You know?

Thank you!